Would like to lock down a permit now, but a few people in our group are unsure of dates and likely won't know what works for a little while, but don't want to wait because permits are being snatched up...how easy is it to change dates on permits if I were to get one now and need to change later? Or would I be SOL and just have to buy a new permit if dates were different?

You can change the number of people/canoes on an existing permit but not the dates. You would need to cancel and get a new permit. And you'll be out the $6 reservation fee when you cancel.

DP

A permit is specific to a date and entry point, so you cannot change those. All you can do is cancel that one and get another as AlfalfaMale said. You'll lose the $6 permit fee.

Can you change the pickup location also?

And why to they ask for your exit date?

quote tpember: "Can you change the pickup location also?"

Yes.

quote tpember: "And why to they ask for your exit date?"

I don't remember them doing that in the past. Is this new or am I just that forgetful?

quote tpember: "Can you change the pickup location also?"

If you go back online, sign in, and follow the links 'Current Reservations,' 'See Detail,' and 'Update Reservation,' you will come to a page that allows you to change your exit point, exit date, group size, number of watercraft, and... permit issuing station.

quote tpember: "And why to they ask for your exit date?"

Providing an exit point and date gives the USFS data to try to estimate the number of folks within a given area at any particular time. It's been a part of the process for quite a while. You are not bound to these places and dates, even after setting out on your trip. Even so, it gives them a fairly accurate data set for deciding on possible changes to future permit levels.

quote tpember: "And why to they ask for your exit date?"

Providing an exit point and date gives the USFS data to try to estimate the number of folks within a given area at any particular time. It's been a part of the process for quite a while. You are not bound to these places and dates, even after setting out on your trip. Even so, it gives them a fairly accurate data set for deciding on possible changes to future permit levels.
"
So if I understand correctly...
If we change our route and end up leaving at a different exit point... there is no problem and I don't have to change it on the reservation?
Using a different exit point would give us some new views and experiences

BadDad56: "
So if I understand correctly...
If we change our route and end up leaving at a different exit point... there is no problem and I don't have to change it on the reservation?
Using a different exit point would give us some new views and experiences"

Absolutely not, you must enter the entry point on the date you got the permit for or the permit is invalid. You can stay as short as long as you wish regardless of what you put on the permit, but this is helpful information particularly if you family is prone to requesting a search party if you don't return promptly. You can exit at any location. You can also add to or move party members except the leader or an alternative leader from the initial permit reservation must be present to pick up the permit.

Thanks!
That clears up a lot of questions.

It's an old thread and not everything in it is the same, such as changing the pickup location yourself. Check for most current information.